Two men hospitalised after gunfire exchange in Sophia

Two men are now hospitalised in stable condition following a reported exchange of gunfire in Sophia on Monday night.

The victims have been identified as 34-year-old Andra Stewart, an unemployed man from Guyhoc Park and Fifth Street, Alberttown, and 22-year-old Lidj Grant, a construction worker of ‘A’ Field, Sophia.

According to police, the incident occurred around 21:45 hrs on May 20, in the vicinity of the Mercy Wing Vocational Centre, ‘A’ Field, Sophia. Stewart sustained a gunshot wound to his right lower back, while Grant was wounded in the right upper back.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the two men were riding separate motorcycles when they were approached by two unidentified men on another motorcycle. The suspects, who were dressed in dark clothing and wore face masks, allegedly opened fire on the victims.

Stewart and Grant reportedly jumped off their bikes and took cover behind a parked truck, while the suspects fled the scene.

Public-spirited citizens rushed the injured men to a city hospital, where they were examined and admitted.

Police arrived at the scene around 22:00 hrs and recovered 15 suspected 9mm spent shells. Investigators also reviewed CCTV footage, which revealed an exchange of gunfire between the suspects and the victims. As part of the investigation, both Stewart and Grant were swabbed for gunpowder residue.

Several persons in the area were questioned, but the suspects remain at large. Investigations are ongoing.